Health promotion in schools of music conference

American Music Teacher, Feb-March, 2005 by Gail Berenson

An unprecedented meeting of medical professionals and musicians took place at the end of September in Fort Worth, Texas. MTNA was one of twenty-three organizations partnering with the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) and the Texas Center for Music and Medicine at the University of North Texas in a project to develop a nationally implemented health communication module for music schools across the country. This project is in response to new National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) guidelines that direct member schools to educate all music students about health risks associated with learning and performing music.

From the very beginning, there was tremendous support for this project. The University of North Texas College of Music secured $60,000 from organizations within the music industry, including the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the organization that awards the Grammys. A $30,000 grant has been received from NARAS, together with $15,000 from the International Music Products Association and $15,000 from the International Foundation for Music Research. These grants are in addition to $20,000 previously received from the National Endowment for the Arts.

It was a privilege for me to be asked to represent MTNA at this conference, to have the chance to contribute to the discussions and bring back pertinent information to our membership. The conference, which consisted of three intense days of lectures and thought-provoking discussions, was an incredibly stimulating and educational experience for all in attendance. It provided the exciting opportunity to exchange ideas with others who are equally passionate about this important subject. Be on the lookout for a future article with more details.

--Gail Berenson

MTNA vice president